Heartwarming and life-changing stories from A Hand UP for Women.
The story behind the Inaugural Angels and Axles Fundraiser
Hand UP for Women’s inaugural fundraiser, Angels and Axles Car Show and Bake Sale, has a unique backstory of how this event was created. In 2018, Knoxville Police Officer, B.K. Hardin was ambushed after a UT football game. He was directing traffic when someone used a hammer to attack him. [...]
Hand UP for Women Gala to Reflect on 20 Years of Transformation from a Servant’s Heart
In preparing for this year’s gala, Executive Director Eva Piece reflects on the women whose lives have been transformed. There are at least 100 ladies whom she feels have “profoundly changed,” because of the Christian-based program. It’s these Christian principles that guide women in becoming self-sufficient and financially independent regardless [...]
Discovering Self-Love Through the Eyes of Christ
How often do you say the three little words “I love you” to yourself? Perhaps, not enough. Self-love is a phrase that runs around society’s social media platforms, but often we don’t take the steps to make it a priority. Krystal Brown was one of those women before she found [...]
A Light at the End of the Tunnel: Financial Independence and Support at Hand UP for Women
When women walk through the doors of Hand UP for Women, they are often at their lowest. Overcoming addiction with nowhere to go and not a cent in their pocket, many come to the organization homeless and without family to support them. Hand UP for Women may be their first [...]
Hope and the holidays: Christmastime at A Hand UP for Women
The holidays are a time to celebrate the many joys in life and to reflect on all the things there are to be thankful for, but for women in need, the spirit of the season can be a difficult time of year. “Most of them can't look back fondly and [...]
Hand UP for Women Graduate Explains Holiday Hardship for Women in Need
What’s supposed to be the happiest time of year filled with family gatherings, cheerful music, delicious treats and feelings of warmth and love, can be anything but for women in need. “It’s still a struggle,” Joy Bright said about the holidays. Bright graduated from Hand UP for Women in 2020 [...]
Hand UP for Women Raising Money for Local Women through Hand UP for Change Auction
Hand UP for Women is hosting the Hand UP for Change Auction 2022 to raise funds to support women in Knoxville who desperately need a helping hand. The auction begins online on Friday, October 21 at 12:15 a.m. and will last until Sunday October 30 until 10:00 p.m. People can [...]
A New Hand UP for Women Class Begins: From Hopelessness to Self-Sufficiency
The newest class of women has been selected to join the Hand UP for Women family. In celebration of their new journey, we wanted to share some history and details of what’s to come. What is the Hand UP for Women vision? Hand UP for Women envisions a Knoxville [...]
Hand Up for Women Works to Help Those Impacted by Opiate Addiction
Opioid addiction in Knox County: the impacts on women and how A Hand Up for Women can help victims. Hand Up for Women exists to help women living in poverty and challenging situations build resilience and overcome the obstacles in their way. Part of this process includes helping women in [...]
Hand Up for Women Partners with Tennessee’s Second Chance Program
The program places our women in careers to help them build a successful future. Hand Up for Women is here to help women escape painful pasts to achieve abundant living. One way we do this, is through community partnerships. One such partnership is with the City of [...]
Mel’s Story
When Mel came to interview as a prospective participant for HUFW, she said, “I know ya’ll are scared of me.” Apparently, she had grown accustomed to people being intimidated by her partially-shaved head, numerous facial and ear piercings, and abundant tattoos. She was dressed in clothing that reflected her long [...]
Crystal’s Story
Crystal can’t remember a day growing up in Johnson City that didn’t include drugs. Drug abuse, drug sales, drug crime…that was what her parents’ lives revolved around. Both her parents were addicts, so Crystal and her siblings followed suit. By the time she was 12, her parents had divorced. Crystal [...]